Too old to learn?

52 yrs old and it's been 35 years since I even held a guitar. Got the urge to take up the bass for my own private enjoyment. No band in mind. Little formal music instruction but can read in the treble cleff but never had to read bass . Just discovered Tablature-- whatever happened to reading music? I am going to try to learn to play by self study so could you suggest the best tapes, videos etc. out there to get me off to a good start and should I note read or do the tab? Going this weekend to buy bass and amp --- probably the Squier P and amp combo.

Originally posted by bcarll 52 yrs old and it's been 35 years since I even held a guitar. Got the urge to take up the bass for my own private enjoyment. No band in mind. Little formal music instruction but can read in the treble cleff but never had to read bass . Just discovered Tablature-- whatever happened to reading music? I am going to try to learn to play by self study so could you suggest the best tapes, videos etc. out there to get me off to a good start and should I note read or do the tab? Going this weekend to buy bass and amp --- probably the Squier P and amp combo.

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Welcome! I wouldn't say you're too old to learn! I started at 43 myself, so you don't have that much age on me!

I haven't seen too much in the way of videos, since I have a teacher, but I'd recommend reading over Tab. I've never learned to read music, and the book I'm working in is called "The Evolving Bassist" by Rufus Reid. It costs somewhere around $28.00. If you can't find it at a local music store, then Amazon carries it.

Rock On Man!!! You Might want to check out a MIM (made in Mexico) fender jazz or P bass instead of the squire, I think you would like it alot more for the small price difference Oh yeah if you can buy used. Save your money on instructional books, go to www.libster.com between them and talkbass you will learn everything you need to know.

Hey go for it. "Too old" is a misconception. Music is an art and lots of artists start later on in life. Most respected musicians these days are older too, defying more and more that unwritten law that musicians must be young.

I'm 32 and always have been into great music...now it's my turn to learn the instrument I love and make some music of my own. Age is irrelevant!

I'd stay away from that Squier amp. My bass teacher used those and they fart out real quick at bass frequencies. I understand the hesitation to spend too much on gear when you're not sure yet about your committment, but better gear will be more inspiring to your playing. Check out used stuff if need be, and try the more expensive stuff as well so you have a good basis for comparison.

No, you're definately not too old to learn bass. The only time you shouldn't attempt to learn bass is when your hearts not in it. If you want to learn bass, then do it, and I hope you have many years of happy playing ahead of you.

Originally posted by warwicknut I started when I was 30. Being too old to start, is just like a unicorn. Neither one exists!
However, after a few Jacks on the rocks, that unicorn thing is debatable!

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Truer words were never spoken Warwick 'ol pal, but, Jameson's more my drink (especially the Crested 10) although Jack is still in my inventory. I drink Jameson, then I think I play like Jamerson, then I wake up!

Originally posted by Icez I agree with all above, never too old to start.

But as someone here said, do not invest in very cheap/crappy gear, you will not enjoy playing it half as much as a decent gear, and you might get discouraged.

If the bass playing doesn´t work out, you can always sell it. It´s quite harder to get rid of crap gear.

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bcarll,

I'm 41 and I started 5 months ago. I couldn't even pluck a string when I bought my first bass. I'm now rehearsing with a band and I did an open stage about a week ago. I've got a long , long way to go but I'm loving it!

Icez and MJB make very valid points. I just don't think that I would find so much enjoyment in learning this new skill if my instruments were not as good as they are. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that you have to spend the kind of money that I or any others have. I probably could have found something less expensive that would have made me happy. I found some stuff that I liked and I was fortunate enough to have a little extra cash that allowed me to get what I wanted.

Just take your time and find something that you feel that you can be comfortable with for at least several years. It may very well be the Squier. Touch, feel, listen to and try to play as many different basses as you can before you buy. You'll see the difference but keep in mind that the most expensive bass is not always the best option. Look for the most value that you can get for your dollar. I hope some of this ranting helps. Good luck and much success to you.

Go for it. As we all age, I'd imagine it's probably not a bad idea to keep the fingers limber anyway. That is, if it doesn't cause excessive pain and all.

No need to read just yet. If you are just getting back into things, I think reading can wait a little bit. There's an undeniable sense of immediate gratification to just picking up the bass and playing. Maybe try just using your ear for starters , it can be fulfilling in more ways than one. The sheets will all still be there when you are ready.

...and over. This is not recommended, but suitable for the ear player. When I got into the band, which was almost simultaneous with beginning to play, I just learned the patterns. Only now that I am old(er) am I finishing off learning the notes on the neck and beginning to fiddle with bass clef. If you've got an ear, use it. If not, I'd suggest you attempt to play by reading music. It's the old fashion way.

As for the quality of the instrument. Do yourself a favor. Buy an American Fender Jazz and an amp with 60 true watts or more. Sell off part of you 401K!

Man... and I thought I cheated myself when I started playing bass at 18...

Never too old to start man. Find a teacher and learn how to read music. It's good for you, it builds karma and stuff. You will find that you can contribute much better in a band situation if you learn to read music. By learning to read, you wind up learning some theory stuff along the way out of necessity. Theory is good. Tab is bad. Tab is a shortcut, like trying to learn how to speak a foreign laguage by using a (for example) english to spanish dictionary all the time: you can communicate, but it's very slow and it doesn't always make sense.

Hey man. I definately think you should go for it. Yeah, I'd say go with a MIM Fender precision or Jazz. I still have my MIM(Made in Mexico) precision. Didnt have any money for a new one, so i just put an American pickup in it. You could always take that route. Oh yeah, and you said you know how to read treble, so, what is read as a c on a treble is an e on a bass clef. Just scale everything up 2 steps, and just get a bass fingering chart.And the worst thing you can do is put your bass down if you see some young kid tearin' it up. It's not a competition...collaboration is the way to go.......Good Luck and Have some fun!!!!